EasyCruise in hunt for CEO

EasyCruise has begun its search for a chief executive to take over the reigns from group owner Stelios Haji-Ioannou, as the holiday business looks to expand further.

With EasyCruise nearing the end of its first year of operations, Stelios is to recruit a new boss to take over the full-time running of the business so he can concentrate more on the 14 other ‘easy' branded divisions.

The cruise ship division is looking at a number of avenues in which to grow over the coming year. One option is franchising the business to operators of existing cruise ships and possibly riverboats who are willing to invest in converting them to the EasyCruise concept.

Beyond 2008, EasyCruise says it may invest in custom designed new buildings which would accommodate about 500 passengers.

A more "upscale" dining experience will also be introduced, but will operate on a pay-as-you-go ‘a la carte' basis. Other upgrades may include an on-board spa.

Stelios recently launched a USA ad campaign attacking his main cruise ship rival as he battles for holidaymakers in the Caribbean.

The campaign poked fun at rival cut-price holiday venture Carnival Cruises, owned by one of America' richest men, Mickey Arison.

By Jim Butcher

This article originally appeared on mad.co.uk, the website which delivers business insight to professionals in marketing, media, new media, advertising and design.To subscribe to mad.co.uk and receive full access to their database of articles on these industries, click here.

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